From the Recruiter’s Desk: What Truly Impresses in an Interview?

As an HR head, I've noticed a consistent issue in interviews: candidates often focus too much on their past roles, drowning us in details that don’t underline their potential value to our company. They recount every job they've held but fail to articulate what they can actually do for us moving forward. In this piece, I'll explore why this disconnect happens and how to fix it.

Step 1: Research the Company Website Thoroughly

Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly check our website. We go through over a thousand CVs and cover letters, and it’s instantly obvious who hasn't taken this step. Why would a recruiter invest time in reviewing 1000+ applications if a candidate won’t do their basic homework about the company?

If you don’t take the time to understand our core values, goals, and competitors, it sends a clear message that you might just be here for the paycheck. No recruiter wants to hire someone who seems disinterested in what the company stands for.

Remember, cultural fit is increasingly crucial in today’s workplace. Not familiarizing yourself with the company’s culture is a surefire way to show you won’t fit in. Make it a priority to understand the environment you’re hoping to join.

Step 2: Smile

When we recruit, we're looking to connect with the candidates and gauge if they would fit well within our company. I'm telling you—a smile won’t hurt. It makes the interaction more pleasant and humanizes the process.

Remember, recruiters are just humans too, and a friendly demeanor can make a significant difference in how we perceive your fit and potential in our team.

Step 3: Engage in the Conversation

Let’s connect through the conversation. What I don′t like is a one-sided interview where the candidate answers in a monotone without any engagement. When we ask a question, not only should you answer, but feel free to ask a clarifying question if something isn’t clear, or if you're curious about a related topic.

As mentioned before, we are only human, just like you. A dynamic exchange can leave a strong impression, showing your interest and proactive thinking.

Step 4: Experience and Job Alignment

When we discuss your previous experience, it's crucial to focus on the most relevant details. If you're applying for a project manager position, for instance, there's no need to delve deeply into your baking job during your student years or an internship from ten years ago.

Highlight key experiences from the last five years, especially those that started your career in project management.

Before your interview, review the job description again. If you're unsure about how your role as a project manager in an events company might look, use tools like Bart or ChatGPT to explore potential responsibilities and align your experiences accordingly.

When explaining your past roles, pinpoint the tasks that match closely with the job requirements—like managing a project from start to finish, including operational and research aspects. If you haven’t worked with budgeting, which we require, be upfront about this gap but also demonstrate your willingness and plan to learn this skill. Ask about training opportunities or courses that could help you meet this requirement.

Aline your experiences with the job description and tell us examples of what can you offer. Use the STAR technique.

Being active and showing a genuine interest in learning and fitting into the role can greatly enhance your interview performance.

Step 5: Stay True to Yourself in the Interview

We spend 40-50 hours a week with our colleagues, so it's crucial that you be yourself during the interview. If you portray yourself as very introverted, quiet, and shy because you're nervous, and then join the team only to reveal a very outgoing and hyper personality, it can lead to misunderstandings. A recruiter who found you to be a cultural fit based on your interview demeanor may feel misled.

Misrepresenting yourself wastes both your time and ours. In the long run, neither you nor the team will be happy if you start off on the wrong foot by not being honest about who you are. Always strive to show your true self during the interview process.

Step 6: Tell Us Something About Yourself

When we ask, "Tell us something about yourself," we're looking to see if you're a good fit culturally and in terms of experience. It's essential to know yourself well—your values, what attracts you to a company, what turns you off, and why. This understanding helps you respond authentically and shows us your unique brand.

Remember, while we all need to work to pay the bills, having a job where you get along well with colleagues is crucial. It makes you more likely to enjoy your job and stay longer at the company, reducing stress in your personal life. So be brave and show us who you really are during the interview. Believe in your own worth; you are an amazing person and deserve to be seen as such.

Seal the Deal with Confidence

Remember, interviews are your stage to show us who you are and what you can bring to our team. Do your homework, smile, engage in the conversation, align your experience with our needs, and most importantly, be yourself. Finding a job where you fit well means more than just earning a paycheck—it's about being in a place where you can thrive and feel valued.

Be genuine, show us you care, and don't just tell us what you think we want to hear. We're excited to meet the real you and see how you could be part of our future.